In their seven-plus seasons in D.C., the Nationals have never gone 6-0 on a road trip. The way things are going in 2012, this probably won't be the last time they have an opportunity to do something they've never done before.

If you're going to try to pull off your second straight sweep on the road, might as well send your ace to the mound. Yep, Stephen Strasburg gets the nod, looking to improve his record to 8-1 and the team's record to 11-2 when he starts. He'll be opposed by young Kyle Drabek, the Blue Jays' key acquisition from the Phillies in the Roy Halladay trade several years back who to this point is an unimpressive 8-14 with a 5.26 ERA in 29 career starts.

One key change to the Nationals' lineup for this afternoon's getaway matinee at Rogers Centre: Adam LaRoche is not starting for the first time since May 7 (when he missed four games with an oblique strain). So Tyler Moore makes his first career start at first base in LaRoche's place.

Enjoy the game and the conversation as the Nats try to finish off a perfect road trip…

I'm really, really worried about Strasburg today. Last start was stressful. He was laboring even before he got to 100 pitches, and then he ended up throwing 120. I think today will be tough. Gorzo and Det should get ready to pitch a while tonight.However, I'll cross my fingers and hope that I'm wrong and that Strasburg is, well, typical Strasburg today.

MichelleS, Drabek has been pretty meh this year. I expect we will get some knocks. I am concerned about SS today coming off a very laborious 125 pitch effort in 6 innings on Friday. I expect Davie and Cat to keep a real close eye on him today.

In a perfect world we would have ran Gorzo out there and saved stras for opening with the yankes. Either way, our 2,3,4 vs yankes 3,4,5. I like the matchups. But we don't want to look ahead and blow this. So go stras and I'm looking forward to a 2 day rest getting ALR back on point. And here is to Bryce keeping it up!!!!!

Excellent idea to rest ALR for the big series coming up and give Moore a start at 1B. I'm glad we're going for the sweep with Strasburg on the mound. Yes, it would be fun to have Stras, Gio, and JZnn face the Yanks, but all wins count equally in the standings and Gio, JZnn, and EJax pitching to the pinstripes will do just fine.Following up on the thread on the last post, there are a handful of certainties in life:1. Death2. Taxes3. Davey will never move Zim from the No. 3 spot (except perhaps to hit cleanup if we end up with injuries).4. Zim will not have 2011 Werth-like numbers at the end of the season.

Interesting discussion Section 222. Davey the sabermatrician, is not always the sabermatrician that he might be. Where would you put Zim? He's not hitting anything like a #3 right now. I'm thinking that he should be switched with Desi.

Sounds like Mark sees this as a normal day off for LaRoche and I have no reason to think otherwise. But why give him a day off when we're facing a righthander and only playing three more times in the following five days? I guess Davey really wants him to get two straight days off, but if the Rays rotation holds they face David Price next Tuesday after a day off Monday. I bet Adam would have preferred a day off then

Didn't read the other thread, but gather someone is arguing for Zimmerman getting moved out of #3 hole. I respectfully pass wind in your general direction. Not going to happen, and not necessary (the lineup change, not the wind). With regard to SS pitch count, I am less concerned about it impacting his performance today, than I am about the fact that he routinely needs to throw so many pitches to achieve that performance. Eight strikeouts is enough, I want more foul pop fly outs and knuckled grounders to the infield. As for LaRoche sitting, I also appreciate that they have worked in a start for Moore knowing that he likely returns to AAA upon DeRosa's activation. Finally, some were debating Harper's affinity for the Yankees as a future threat. (more wind) I doubt that by the time he is free to leave that the desire will be as strong. Once he wins a few championships here and Jeter/Arod/Mo retire, it will seem like just another team.

Good point about the timing of LaRoche's day off corresponding to Moore being here to play 1B, whatsanattau. Personally I'd prefer it if he sat against a lefty like Price and we put Morse at 1B – and I bet LaRoche would prefer it too- but this does make sense.

I was thinking last night and discussing with Big Cat who still needs to get a google account. that Zim this year is hitting no better than Werth was lasst year, and isn't being ridden like Werth was because then Weth was majing big money and was new. Zim is making big money and is known. How long does his history save him? The last 2 weeks Espi has easily out hit Zim and he still ridden He is a little over .300 last 10 games, and Zim .214I keep thinking any day now, but his bat looks like it is in a bizaar postion to hit, and he needs to move to plate about 4 inches, as he is not driving ones on the outside at all, but rather he is missing them.GO Zim get it going.

About ALR from Rotoworld:"Updating a previous item, Adam LaRoche is out of Wednesday's lineup after fouling a ball off his right foot Tuesday.The good news is that it doesn't appear to be a major concern and he should be back in the lineup Friday."

T-Nat — I am so excited for you! And excited to see Moore play in his natural position. ALR hit a dinger just the other day; my bet is this is a normal day off for him. I hope Moore comes through with some good hits, and I know he does, too. The year-of-a-very-big-contract slump seems to be a real thing. Unless it's not. We all tend to look for evidence that supports our conclusion. has anyone ever done real research on it?

Not only will Zim not move from the #3 spot, he won't move closer to the plate, either. The comments in this regard are almost verbatim to the comments last year when he came off the DL after the abdominal thing (you could look it up, as Casey would say). It just painfully (no pun intended) obvious that he does not do well upon returning from any length of time off. The upside is that his stuggles at the plate have in no way impacted his impeccable fielding. His bat will come around, and the fear of that happening at any time is what keeps getting Harper pitches to hit. Zim has been hitting the ball sharply, just hitting it at people. He doesn't look lost at the plate, as Espi did earlier this year. It looks like maybe his bat is coming around, too.Patience, people…..we're four games in front, 5-0 on our current road trip and heading home to the biggest series DC has seen since….dare I say…1924?

Of course, Little Gio is bigger than a fair segment of the population. And he may not even be done growing yet. I don't think he'll catch Jon Rauch, but he's a big boy.pRAA, thanks for that! Funny, but true.

Zim this year is hitting no better than Werth was lasst year, and isn't being ridden like Werth was because then Weth was majing big money and was new. Zim is making big money and is known. How long does his history save him?You know what you call people who joyfully watch a player carry the team on his back for years and then turn on him the minute he hits a prolonged slump? Phillies phans.

Responding quickly to two posts from last thread:Tcostant said… Hey DC Wonk, say what you want about Gio's contract, but at the time I thought it was a bargin for the Nationals. And now it looks even better. Good job by Rizzo.Agreed! I thought it was a lot, too, but the early returns is that Rizzo/Nats got a bargain!The Fox said… Suprised that no one has posted this link before for Home Runs. You can waste a lot of time on it to. http://hittrackeronline.com/ Harper's HR from last night is not listed yet it probably will be there tomorrow.Thank, Fox! I was looking for that, but couldn't find it.Two quick things:1. Harper's HR is listed (see "full listing"), it's listed as 438.2. It's listed as the second longest HR for a Nat. OK, folks, try to guess who hit the longest HR. (Presuming lots of accuracy. The longest HR is, according to them 441, just 3 feet further).FWIW (all Nats HR longer than 415)2nd (mystery guest)3rd Nady (!) 05/16/12, 4364th Harper 05/14/12, 4295th Ankiel 04/20/12, 4276th LaRoche 05/08/12, 4266th Bernadina 05/10/12, 4268th Harper 06/08/12, 4259th Harper 05/27/12, 42410 Laroche 06/11/12, 42311 Ankiel 05/22/12, 42112 Ankiel 06/11/12, 41913 Espinosa 06/12/12, 41914 Desmond 05/21/12, 41814 Harper 06/03/12, 418

pRAAYou know what you call people who joyfully watch a player carry the team on his back for years and then turn on him the minute he hits a prolonged slump? Phillies phans. pRAA — I think that you often tend to be too harsh.But that comment sounds just about right.

Tyler Moore with his first big league ribbies!And right before he hit it, I was just thinking — with guys on 2nd and 3rd and needing a productive at bat (including even a productive out) — how happy I was that Moore was batting 7th rather than Ankiel

… as the broadcast guys keep saying . . . it's a big emotional let down when you've lost the first two games of the series, and you're only in the second innings and down by two already.And facing Strasburg

Now – back to looking busy. Yikes — my problem is not only that, but I actually _am_ busy and need to get some complicated work done this afternoon . . . . Like many men . . . I'm not much of a multi-tasker. Especially when there's a Nats game on!

NatsJack in Florida said… So Lombo leads off the game against the guy with the most walks in the AL and immediately swings at the first 3 pitches he sees.Not much of a plan. June 13, 2012 12:56 PM __________________________Very true then you get the veteran Rick Ankiel who swings at a high 3-0 fastball to fly out.

A DC Wonk said… Gonat said…DC Wonk, I think Ian Desmond still holds the longest Nats HR honor this season!!!!Ding ding ding . . . You are correct. 441 feet, three more than Harper's. June 13, 2012 1:28 __________________________Morse will hit some over 450 when he gets going!!!!

I wonder if Zim and Morse should have a DP contest, if you handicap games Morse has missed I bet it would be a hell of a contest, my money is on Zim. lol When are these two going to start hitting? Thank goodness for Bryce!

I was able to get a seat for Friday and Sunday last week. Should go cause Bryce is gonna play like the Mick.Believe it or not, I had two tix to Sat's game (sect. 135, row C), that I gave to my ex girlfriend. One of the dumbest actions I've ever done.

Believe it or not, I had two tix to Sat's game (sect. 135, row C), that I gave to my ex girlfriend. One of the dumbest actions I've ever done.Yeah, dating a girl who's big enough to fill two seats is a pretty dumb move.

Mick.. I am sure you can find something on stub hub, the question will be how much do you want to pay. I don't know if they are doing the walk up tickets this weekend either, but that might be possible, you would just have to get there really early to buy those.

Cunegonde got tix for us in section 115 eight rows back of the visitor dugout for Friday – my birthday gift. And we'll be in 409 Saturday with my NY-area brother-in law and his younger son (cheering for the Yanks) and my other nephew and his housemate (Nats fans).Civil War 2.0 brewing…

Looked it up we have grounded into 47 that is the second least (though the number is getting higher quicker it seems lately). We have induced 34 that is the least in the majors. But we have more K's to baklance that off.Morse take note of what Moore is doing, we expect you to start hitting like that.

OK – taking a very legitimate break. For all of you that follow such stat things — it seems to me that when Lombardozzi is at the plate, he usually ( well , not that first ab), makes the pitcher use up a lot of bullets. Is there a stat for the number of pitches a batter uses up? He just seems to foul off a lot of pitches, and even if he ends up getting out, he wears down the pitcher – something you don't see in the box for the game. I feel like there have been games where he single- handedly knocked out a starting pitcher by using up so many pitches. Is that just my impression of him? Good trait in a lead off guy. Happy for TMo — getting that first one. I just love our rookies!!!!!!! How does he look at first?

jeffwx said… In the words of Swammi, this team has so much depth…What will they do when Tracey and Werth are back ? June 13, 2012 1:55 PM____________________________I'm not concerned about those 2 coming back as much as I am thinking who goes when DeRosa comes back as he appears to be next in line.

Gonat said… Drabek I believe is the ex-Phillie top prospect who they traded in the Halladay trade. No wonder why I don't like him. June 13, 2012 1:49 PM ____________________________Didn't mean to jinx him. Hope he will be OK.

I don't know if we'll break largest Nats Park single game attendance record this weekend (44,685), but just looked up the largest all-time single game record:On April 18, 1958, the Dodgers played their first game in the Coliseum, hosting the San Francisco Giants, another team transplanted from the East, in front of 78,692 fans. The home team won 6-5. The previous attendance record had been set on May 16, 1947, at the original Yankee Stadium when 74,747 fans witnessed a night game between the New York team and its rival, the Boston Red Sox.

Mark Teahen can opt-out of his minor league contract with the Nationals if not called up by June 15th, MLBTR has learned. The 30-year-old has hit .293/.347/.404 with Washington's Triple-A affiliate while playing all four corner spots.Trade Lannan and Treahan for draft pick/prospects.

old news on Lannan but there has been interest (from last week):The Nationals have had recent discussions with the Dodgers and Rockies about pitcher John Lannan, but no trade is close, major league sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Sources say that the Nats want a club to pay the rest of his remaining salary and give up at least one legitimate player.Talks between the Dodgers and Nationals have been only preliminary, according to sources, while the Rockies kicked the tires on the pitcher before being turned off by the price. For the Dodgers, Lannan would be an alternative to left-hander Ted Lilly while he is sidelined with a shoulder issue.

jeffwx said… Good question, Gonat. I would be tempted to DFA DeRosa.And send HROD to minors if they can.Bring Mattheus up but for who ?Of course, looks like Toronto could use some pitchers…wow what bad luck. June 13, 2012 2:08 PM __________________________I don't think Rizzo will give up right now on DeRosa.On HenRod, it won't happen that he goes back to the Minors except on a Rehab assignment. Once his rehab is over, he has NO options and can only be waived and won't cleared waivers as someone will take him. Choices are trade him or hope he comes back improved. I have felt for a long time to trade him to an AL team and get what you can.

Whereas 40 pitches after 2 innings isn't so good — 64 pitches after four innings is a bit better.And 72 after 5 innings is downright good. Stras hitting his stride. Probably "hooked," as Davey likes to say, after 6, because of his high pitch count last time out, but he could go 7 or even 8 with a little luck. He'll have six days of rest after this start because of the off days unless Davey decides to have Wang skip a start.

Scooter said…I think Tyler Moore needs to come north. I'm catching a lot of static for beating my Moore drum, but I really think he's ready to break out. I can see him hitting multiple homers in a game, maybe with even a double thrown in. He's just that good.(I also think Morse's injury is worse than they're telling us.)February 30, 2012 3:46 AMI got kind of attacked when I said that. Maybe you'll all start to believe me now.

I am listening to the Toronto broadcasters. They ended the last inning with "That's two homeruns for the Nationals today. Three yesterday and two more on Monday. This is a VERY good team." Sweet sweet music!!

unless Davey decides to have Wang skip a start. I'd bet not. I think the thinking is that Wang might get straightened out with another start or two. I don't see them messing with the rotation at all when it's still June.

More importantly, has FP made reference to Harper's "that's a clown question, bro" response to the Toronto media type who asked if 19 year old Bryce was going to have a beer after the game? They're making t-shirts already. (seriously)Proper usage: "Tyler, did you see the ball" "that's a clown question, bro".

Davey Johnson on Zim via Amanda Comak:"I just don't see him tracking real well," Johnson said Wednesday afternoon. "I don't know why. If it's his approach or what he's thinking. I know he's streaky at times but I sure need him to be comfortable because he's invaluable to this ballclub. He can really help out a whole lot."Zimmerman's demeanor rarely changes, never too high or too low as he likes to say, and he has maintained that same outward confidence throughout this season. The inflammation in his right AC joint hasn't helped, and while it's certainly manageable, where it could affect him is in his pre- and post-game work.Obviously a different part of the body, but when Zimmerman returned from his abdominal tear in 2011, it wasn't until about six weeks later that he was his full self in the weight room and elsewhere to get himself into shape to be the player he is on the field.It's common for players to return from injury when they're "good enough to play," so to speak, but not at their prime operating health. To this point, though, Zimmerman has declined to use the shoulder as an excuse."He's hard for me to read a little bit because he's so talented, but he's really not attacking the ball," Johnson said. "He went through spells where he hit it hard and hit it at people and balls that would have gone nine miles if the wind hadn't held it up, but I haven't seen him hitting the ball like that in a while. I don't know if his shoulder's bothering him or what but we certainly need him.""He seems to be in a good mind. His BP has looked pretty good. But he looks a little defensive in the game."

Scooter said… I think Tyler Moore needs to come north. I'm catching a lot of static for beating my Moore drum, but I really think he's ready to break out. I can see him hitting multiple homers in a game, maybe with even a double thrown in. He's just that good. (I also think Morse's injury is worse than they're telling us.) February 30, 2012 3:46 AMAND, it was more than a week ago. Not that the Internet is a race, or anything.Well done, Scooter.

Another random question for you — who on the team has NOT hit a home run yet this year? I can't think of anyone but Morse. All 3 catchers, all the quasi- regular outfielders, all the infielders and most of the utility guys. Can you think of anyone else?

Jeff – no problem.I do think we'll beat our Nationals Park attendance this week, single and total for all three games. The Nationals blacked out these games from reward program and they wouldn't even allow rain out trade ins for that day. Plus the vouchers in those five game flex plans where for any games expect Yankees. So basicly all the seats will be paid, which is what they count. Plus they selling the unsold boxes as seats too. And you know standing room is coming too.I expect to average 44K this weekend with over 45K on Saturday.Place your bets.

Another random question for you — who on the team has NOT hit a home run yet this year? I can't think of anyone but Morse. All 3 catchers, all the quasi- regular outfielders, all the infielders and most of the utility guys. Can you think of anyone else? Everybody with 50 plate appearances or more has hit one.In decreasing order of plate appearances for less than 50, the following have not hit any (for those with 10 or more plate appearances):DeRosa, Morse, MaldonadoThat's it. (plus pitchers)

Section 222 said… What a game for Moore! Much as it pains me, I must tip my cap to our friend peric. June 13, 2012 2:26 PM _____________________________Why? This is what Tyler Moore has done with 2 previous years in the Minors. Blogger Russ Adams has been saying it for 2 years as Russ lives in Harrisburg and follows the H'burg Senators and most of the Minor Leaguers. I was never impressed with Tyler's OBP which is what I thought would hold him back and still may. The kid is definitely a power hitter, but 1 game doesn't make a career.

I am listening to the Toronto broadcasters. They ended the last inning with "That's two homeruns for the Nationals today. Three yesterday and two more on Monday. This is a VERY good team." Sweet sweet music!! What's amazing about that is that:it's not our hitting that's good!

whatsanattau said…More importantly, has FP made reference to Harper's "that's a clown question, bro" response to the Toronto media type who asked if 19 year old Bryce was going to have a beer after the game?Yeah – Carp and FP had a laugh about it around the 2nd inning. Agreed it was a stupid question.

I think Tyler Moore needs to come north. I'm catching a lot of static for beating my Moore drum, but I really think he's ready to break out. I can see him hitting multiple homers in a game, maybe with even a double thrown in. He's just that good.(I also think Morse's injury is worse than they're telling us.)February 30, 2012 3:46 AMTake a well deserved victory lap Scooter… for hoax of the year. (Um, February only has 28 days.) On this blog, as in life, in the immortal words of Ronald Reagan, "trust but verify."

Why? This is what Tyler Moore has done with 2 previous years in the Minors. Oh Gonat, you sourpuss. Sure there are others who think Moore has a good future, and of course one game doesn't prove he belongs in the bigs, but there is no one who has sung his praises and pushed for him to get a shot in the lineup more than peric. He takes alot of abuse in here, much of it deserved, but for the sake of comity and camraderie amongst our community of imaginary friends on this most enjoyable afternoon of Natitude, I choose to give him a shout out.

Section 222 said…On this blog, as in life, in the immortal words of Ronald Reagan, "trust but verify." Note – I am not trying to turn this into a political discussion:I never understood that "trust but verify" business (and I think Reagan was quoting someone else). If I trust someone, I don't NEED to verify.I don't send a private detective out to follow Cunegonde around and verify that she's not stepping out on me, because I trust her.If I DID hire a detective, that would be proof that I DIDN'T trust her.It should be "Trust OR verify." Makes more sense that way.Now back to our game.

Jeff.. look at one of the posts yesterday for Peric.. he tried to set a fire about benching Werth when he comes back. (that's why you would be banned).222.. Thanks… Scooter your being devilish today. Remind me not to get on your bad side!

However, if Moore has a hole or two in his swing that other teams figure out, and the he can't adhpjust and bats .210, we will roundly criticize peric for promoting a AAAA player as ready for the Show. This is our way.

CandideThis from WikipediaTrust, but verify is a form of advice given which recommends that while a source of information might be considered reliable, one should perform additional research to verify that such information is accurate, or trustworthy. The term was a signature phrase adopted and made famous by U.S. president Ronald Reagan. Reagan frequently used it when discussing U.S. relations with the Soviet Union. Reagan rightly presented it as a translation of the Russian proverb "doveryai, no proveryai" (Russian: Доверяй, но проверяй). Soviet revolutionary Vladimir Lenin also frequently used the phrase.The phrase was learned by Reagan from Suzanne Massie, a writer on Russia. She told Reagan, "The Russians like to talk in proverbs. It would be nice of you to know a few. You are an actor – you can learn them very quickly".After Reagan used the phrase at the signing of the INF Treaty, his counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev responded: "You repeat that at every meeting," to which Reagan answered "I like it."Nattydread

Trust but verify is a Russian proverb From wikipedia:The term was a signature phrase adopted and made famous by U.S. president Ronald Reagan. Reagan frequently used it when discussing U.S. relations with the Soviet Union. Reagan rightly presented it as a translation of the Russian proverb "doveryai, no proveryai" (Russian: Доверяй, но проверяй). Soviet revolutionary Vladimir Lenin also frequently used the phrase.

Good lord, we are homer happy playing the Jays. We have broken 2 of their pitchers and kicked their bullpen around. I don't remember ever doing that to any team (we might have beaten up a bullpen 1 or 2 times, but not for an entire series, plus I can't remember breaking 2 pitchers)

Hmpfh… seems to me it was just three or four days ago everyone was talking about what a good-hitting team the Jays are… But it's true! There are many good hitting teams. Red Sox, too.Until they face the Nats.We're kicking butt in first place because: good pitching beats good hitting.

DCWonk – home runs by pitchers – I know JZim — Stras, too? This feels unusual to me to have so many different guys hit home runs. I guess when light-hitting utility guys ( lombo) , pitchers and 5th string catchers get into the act, everyone does.

NatsJack in Florida said… And Gonat knows I'm with him. June 13, 2012 2:54 PM _____________________________…and I don't even know much, but I am learning. I trust who I listen to. A lot of people here have opinions and some are consistently right, others not so much.Most fun at a ballgame was hanging at a Spring Training game listening to NatsJack and some other NatsInsiders discuss the 2012 team.

This sort of reminds me of the pre-Soriano days at RFK, when the Nats would hit balls to the warning track, and the other teams would be putting them in the seats. The Jays' flies don't seem to be carrying, do they?

If both Ronald Reagan and Vladimir Lenin liked the proverb, it clearly has no political slant. I I suppose what it really means is "verify before trusting," which is what I tried to do when I went back to find Scooter's impressively prescient comment. It didn't take long to realize that I wouldn't find a post on Feb. 30, even though this is a leap year. Scooter's downfall was he got greedy. We didn't hear that Morse was injured until March if I'm not mistaken.

Oh, and 222:Scooter's downfall was he got greedy. We didn't hear that Morse was injured until March if I'm not mistaken.I tossed that in because I knew not everybody would be as clever as you, and might need an extra hint.

NatsJack in Florida said… jeffwx… I was kidding. It's just that he's the only name caller on this site. Just disagree with him one time.Yeah, but disagree with Steve M. and he'll go crying to Mark and get your comments deleted.Really, which is worse?

Coolest things Mark will never write again:"The Nationals have never gone 6-0 on a road trip.""The Nationals have never won a game at Fenway.""The slugger Tyler Moore is the only Nats position player on the current roster without a home run this year."Other nominations?

Not only a good time to bring Lidge in — and great to see he still can summon up his stuff — but two innings and 37 pitches waas plenty for Stammen. Now he could conceivably come in Saturday if we needed him, whereas if he'd pitched over 50 pitches you'd really want to give him at least three days rest. It would be fantabulous if we had any similar low-stress, low-leverage big leads against the Yanks late to send in Lidge — but I wouldn't count on it, so give him a shot now.

Gonat, intersting question about pitchers of record. It does seem that so many games are decided late, the starter doesn't get the decision.Going through the Schedule and Results page, I see Strasburg-Gonzalez-JORDAN have done it at least thrice (once winning all three), and that's about when I stopped counting. A couple of stretches went four in a row.

Two sweeps in a row! I may have to go buy a new broom for the evil empire's visit this weekend.Can't tell you all how much I wish I could join you tomorrow evening for the meet and greet of my imaginary friends. Raise a glass to all things Nationals for me and I in turn will raise my galss at home to you all. Okay, I might raise it tonight as well but just to practice.

Was this the first time this season that the Nats starters 3 games in a row were the pitchers of record?No, May 10-11-12. Strasburg, Gio, Znn beat the Pirates and the Reds twice; and again May 20-21-22, same guys against the O's, Phils and Phils.This is the first time they've gone five in a row this season, maybe ever.

Gonat said… Was this the first time this season that the Nats starters 3 games in a row were the pitchers of record?Not even the first time in the past week.6/6 Jackson W6/7 Wang L6/9 Strasburg W6/10 Gonzales WYou did say "pitcher of record" not "winning pitcher" after all.